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Shut Up and Play the Hits

Documentary | USA 2012 | 121' | OV

LCD Soundsystem play their last gig in a sold-out Madison Square Garden. The next morning, band mastermind James Murphy wakes up – as a 41-year-old retired rock star. Why did he dissolve possibly the most significant group of the past decade? Seeking answers to that question, SHUT UP AND PLAY THE HITS follows Murphy through the phase before and after the parting concert – even into bed and into his bathroom. In the process, the New Yorker delivers intelligent as well as self-deprecating observations of himself. In contrast to many other »rockumentaries«, this film does not put off the audience by way of lifeless digital images, sloppy editing, or fanboy-style interviews. Shot by shot, directors Will Lovelace and Dylan Southern remain on par with their protagonist. Of course, music also abounds in SHUT UP AND PLAY THE HITS. 11 songs from the parting show (featuring guests such as Arcade Fire) elicit pure euphoria and leave no doubt that this is a group leaving the party at the top of their game.